We're beginning our trip today traveling from Sligo to the city of Knock. It is currently grey and drizzling, which apparently is the perfect weather for visiting Knock. I'll see what that means in about an hour when we arrive.
Well, Knock was just as we expected: Not much. I mean to say that compared to the other locations we've visited over the last 4 days, it is the least desirable place we've been yet. Every single area of Ireland is beautiful in some way. However, this town just doesn't have much charm or appeal. And it was also Sunday, so it was rather dead.
We have returned to the bus and I believe we are on our way to Galway next. I believe in Galway we are going to be having lunch and just exploring and shopping a bit. It is told to be a rather quaint and interesting town, so I'm thrilled to see it. Also, as most of the places we have been the past few days have only taken pounds and silver/pence as currency, I would really like to finally have the opportunity to begin some gift shopping so as not to leave it all to the last minute. That's when you end up bringing back foreign candy and key chains and post cards for your friends.
We are in Galway, written Gaillimh in Irish. It appears that this town has a bit older style of homes, complete with thatched roofs, which I find to be incredibly interesting.
We're in Galway and our mission is to find the ring. This is the area in which it originated. Finding one for all the girls and ourselves. And we were just called lads and told that this is our type of town. Young and trendy and fun. Adding it to my list.
I managed to pick up some gifts for a few people at this little shop in Galway, and I'm going to check out a shop on the way back to the bus after lunch if time permits. If not, we will be in Killarney for 2 days so I should have some time at that point to get most of the gifts covered. Currently, we're down in a street level pastry shop having coffee and soup. It is very cute, complete with a small fire. It was established in 1872. O' Griofa in Irish.
We were walking back to the bus and came across a street musician. I think that is my favorite aspect of city life. These musicians are almost always really talented and genuine. They're always fun to watch. If I can access the internet tonight I will post the quick vid I took of him singing Green Day.
We are in much more of the mountainous regions of Ireland today. We've seen some cliffs and lots of ocean and city, but now we're into the towns that have virtually been almost untouched for the last 10,000 years. It is a lot more desolate out here with just a few small homes dotting the land. There are extremely high mountains that reach up past the clouds, and there are rocks covering the land, with old stone walls all around. It is really incredible because it divides the land up into all types of square plots of land everywhere. Truly a unique sight for those of us in America that are used to a concrete jungle with very little land around.
The cliffs of Moher are an indescribable sight to see. You can only witness it to understand the beauty of it. I've said that a lot about Ireland, but it's true. Kristen told me before I left that I needed to be prepared to be changed after visiting Ireland, and I completely understand now what she meant. Ireland is a place of such beauty and peace, nature, preservation, and joy. It doesn't make you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere like deliverance does. It makes you feel like one with nature. And yet it provides you with city life and excitement and pubs, as well. I truly feel like this is home to me. I can feel in my heart that this is my heritage. And it does change you.
Durty Nelley's is at the entrance to the Bunratty Castle entrance, which we were told is one of the oldest pubs in all of Ireland. Hopefully we get to stop by on our way out of the castle dinner we're going to tonight! Walking off of the bus, the first thing you notice is the smell of peet smoke coming from the castle. What a wonderful aroma! This is going to be excellent!
I can't even explain how amazing of a time I am having here! I'm eating in a castle with entertainment and all the food. We eat our soup without spoons, singing Irish Eyes...God I love this place!
I could live here forever! There is a never ending supply of smiles, drinks, history, and fun! This is one of the best days yet! I love my heritage! I love these people! And Mead wine is delicious! Wine with a bit of honey! I think I would get any job offered here just to be able to be a part of this!
My parents just fed each other two spoonfuls of dessert. Too much wine tonight. Again. I love this country.
Wow, what an amazing night! There was good food, good music, good acting, and lots of alcohol! All of the things I like most! And I spoke with my waitress who had just graduated with a degree in education, as well! The sad part is that there are about 40 teaching jobs in all of Ireland, and just in her class, 3,000 people graduated. This doesn't look promising, but she gave me her bosses' number for a job at the Bunratty Castle, and told me they are hiring a lot of teachers in Scotland and London so at the very least, I could live in Ireland and have a really fun job during summers! What a great night!! And I've had a bit to drink of course and made it silly with a group of the ladies on tour!
No comments:
Post a Comment